WILDLIFE: Don't cripple programs

Coeur d’Alene has a wonderful resource for children of all ages in the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Wildlife and Nature Center at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, and especially in the Center’s Wildlife Education Specialist, Beth Paragamian. Ms. Paragamian just completed a Wildlife Camp at the Center which I attended with my grandkids. It was fun and amazing!

The children learned about reptiles and amphibians and had some hands-on experience. Through fun and games, different animal tracks and types of fish were studied; insects were stalked, caught and examined, and we learned the differences between insects and spiders.

In addition to the camps, Ms. Paragamian conducts wildlife programs in schools and libraries throughout the county; works with various groups including 4-H and foreign exchange students; and provides rehab for various injured animals.

Beth Paragamian, a gifted educator, is a fount of wildlife knowledge. She shares this knowledge and experience with children in a way that they can easily comprehend. Her patience, expertise and ingenuity in presenting material to children are outstanding. I hope that the county appreciates this wonderful resource and recognizes the quality of work coming from this department.

I was stunned to learn that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in Boise has significantly cut the budget for the Coeur d’Alene Wildlife and Nature Center, and saddened that this will mean less public exposure to these excellent programs. Ms. Paragamian was operating on a shoestring as it was, and now that string will be considerably shorter! What a shame.

SHIRLEE GRABKO

Coeur d’Alene